How do I find the way? So many cars - People don't smile.

Guests need some time to rest. Do not make their programmes too full. Visiting can be tiring especially struggling with a strange language. A simple programme, however, is helpful - so that people know what to expect and where the next meal is coming from.

Many Africans are used to communal living - they will walk from one room to another and move around the kitchen or garden without being asked. They do not feel the need to be 'given permission' to wander about. This makes hospitality easier. There is no constraint about staying put, as with English visitors. Sharing cooking and other jobs is normal.

The sun shines more in other countries. Do we make up for it with Cheerfulness? It's a long way from home and can be lonely.

Family is very important. People will always want to tell you about their children.

Have they any photographs?

Schooling is also very important. Is it difficult?

Are there problems with paying for it?

Books cost money - but heavy luggage and heavy presents can be very expensive to take home. BEWARE OF EXCESS BAGGAGE

Motherhood is very important. Ask if their spouse is at home with the family while your visitor is away in this country.

How will she manage?

Do they have enough to live on - especially if the wage earner is away? Are any of the children at home, sick? Do they have handicaps?

Shared meals are very important.

Do they eat from a family dish?

How is the food prepared?

What are their favourite foods?

What dishes do they have for a celebration?

Do they eat with the right hand?

HOSPITALITY -  SOME BASIC DO'S AND DON'TS

HOSTS

1 . Please remember that your guest may be entirely new to your culture. Things which may be obvious to you may not be to your guest, and may need careful explanation. You will need to spend time with guests. Do not ask unnecessary personal questions.

2. Orientation. It helps a newcomer greatly if a simple map of the location can be provided, with some explanations of bus/tube/train connections, shops, parks and other places of interest. Walking around the area is the quickest way to orientate someone - going everywhere by car, the slowest.

3. Do check with your guest if he/she has any special requirements of diet or hygiene. These are often religious - different religions have prescribed dietary laws, and very often prescribed ways of washing (Muslims, for example, must bathe in running water, not still). Be direct about this, and ask, as your guest may assume that you know.

4. Climate. What may be an acceptable indoor temperature to you may find your guest shivering, especially if he/she has just arrived from a much hotter climate and may not have the right clothes for a northern winter. Check especially that your guest's room has adequate heating

GUESTS

1. As you are new to a particular culture, there may be things about your host's way of life that you do not understand. Do ask if there are things which are not clear to you.

2. All cultures differ. It is unlikely that you will find your host's way of life is the same as your own. Try to be flexible and open-minded when you find that there are different ways of doing things - family and domestic organisation, times of eating, ways of eating, types of food, etc. Not having tried something before is a reason to try it, if it is offered!

3. Life in Britain is uncomfortably expensive. For example, things such as long-distance telephoning can create strains, unless you carefully check first with your host.

4. Be aware that, on returning by air, weight limits are strictly controlled. Excess baggage is very expensive. Weigh your baggage to check that it is within the limits, before going to the airport.

Being a guest or a host is a reciprocal joy. No one is wholly giving or wholly receiving, and the fun is doubled if you are prepared to be open-minded towards the other, and as generous as you can be with yourself. Most advice to a guest or a host is interchangeable.